Brief Update

I'm feeling very comfortable in my new relationship. And that's not even freaking me out.

Nick's birthday is this week. I actually have it all covered, and I'm not too worried about it. He likes to celebrate birthdays, and we're probably going away next weekend as part of his celebration. The gifts I chose are very uniquely him, and I have no doubt he'll like them. I guess you can know a person pretty well even in just 7 weeks, if you're talking all the time and sharing your life. The ease of all this is still blowing my mind.

On Fridays, people at work are telling me not to elope over the weekend, because they want to come to my wedding. My supervisor at work thinks Nick and I are a match made in heaven. I'm not thinking quite that far ahead, but this definitely feels more right than I ever thought it was supposed to. I've decided to leave this to God, and let him guide it where He will. Everything else has worked out in that way (dodged bullets), so He knows best.

That's about it for an update. Look for Thanksgiving race pics at the end of November! Nick is running his first race with me, and I know he'll do great. My mom will participate again this year as a walker. She's becoming quite the race veteran!

I'll update before then if something especially cool happens. I need to start taking my camera with me where ever we go. We see a lot of beautiful things when we're together.

Hope your fall is starting wonderfully.

CHICAGO!

Gazing into the "bean" (Cloud Gate) at Millenium Park

My first friend in Chicago - At O'Hare, we sang Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".

After tipping my new Chicagoan friend, I got on the "el" (Elevated Train) and rode the blue line to the hotel, the Palmer House Hilton.


The lobby at the the Palmer House, where we stayed in a two bathroom suite. Gotta say, loving the his and hers bathrooms!

We went to the House of Blues the first night and had a good time. The band took a break and got really high, so the next set was entertaining more for their giggling and paranoia than for their music. Walking back to our hotel, we saw a Morton's of Chicago sign. I have been to the Morton's in Uptown Charlotte years ago, and it was easily the best meal I'd ever had. Nick suggested we go there the next night for dinner, and I was thrilled!

A Great City

Sunday, Nick headed back to McCormick Place for his convention, and I met up with Larry, my Chicago Greeter. We explored Lincoln Park, Old Town, part of the Gold Coast and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The Chicago Cultural Center (the older building on the left), view from Michigan Avenue. This was the first public library in Chicago, built after the Chicago Fire.

The "new" public library. Gargoyles! The architectural design in Chicago is phenomenal. I will definitely take an architecture tour next time I am in town.



The Red Line

Chicago Theater! Right down the street from Marshall Fields.


Me and Abe Lincoln in where else... but Lincoln Park!


Me with the flamingos in Lincoln Park Zoo. I wanted to have a new photo of me with flamingos, since the last one I took was in Florida in a completely different experience. New memories are the best.

One Month Anniversary

Long days at the convention and touring the city - now the REAL fun begins!

Nick and me in the cab on the way to Morton's.

GOOD jazz at Andy's



My love, my dream, my handsome, sweet man - Nick H.

The woman of his dreams

Water and Art

Shedd Aquarium





Komodo Dragon! Asleep...

Ulysses S. Grant - Grant Park



The Art Institute of Chicago

When I rounded the corner and saw this original Edward Hopper, I gasped. This is Nighthawks.

Monet's Waterlilies

Millenium Park

These faces are supposed to be "modern day gargoyles". The facial expressions slowly change, and faces of all ethnicities are used. There are two facing each other, and water runs down both.

Every few minutes, the mouth opens, and a stream of water comes out!


Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Reflections in Cloud Gate
Goodbye Chicago! We love you and we'll be back for another anniversary!

Time

It's only been 3 weeks. Yet I have shared more about myself and feel more emotionally connected with Nick than I did in almost a year in my last relationship. Sure, I am still deeply infatuated. I haven't felt this way since I was a teenager. I still got butterflies when I saw him dressed up for one of our dates last weekend. Like really nervous! Ha ha!

But it's just interesting how when you're with the right person, everything just sort of falls into place effortlessly. There's no power struggle about making "time" to see someone, there's no thinking about how to word something precisely so the other person doesn't jump on the defensive. It just flows. And it's fun. And it feels great. It's an equal exchange.

It still surprises me a little when I'm talking about something important, and I look up at Nick, and he is looking at me, listening. And he responds. And asks questions to bring more out. We've laughed a ton, we've both even cried some. I feel safe talking to Nick. I feel like I could tell him anything. It's an amazing feeling. Even if things for some reason didn't work out with him, he's taught me what a relationship CAN be. And how good it feels, and how much I deserve to be in a relationship like we've experienced.

It may all sound a little fluffy and sweet to the guys reading my blog, so rest assured that Nick is all man. No bisexual stuff, no micropenis. He's not rugged, and likes for me to dress up and take me out. We've even been running and to the gym together! We're on par with so many things we like to do and our ways of thinking. It flows. It's awesome.

There's my update. Ha ha! Things are great and we're looking forward to our trip to Chicago next weekend. I should have some pictures when I get back!

DEEP Breaths!

Yikes.

Nick and I are going to Chicago in a few weeks! He's attending a conference there for work. He knew I've been wanting to go, so he asked his employer if SO's were okay to come, then told me to pack my bags!

We're staying right in the Loop, which is downtown. Mere BLOCKS from everything - Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Millenium Park, the Art Institute... so while he's conventioning, I'll be exploring. Then we'll have evenings together. At Chicago blues clubs, at great restaurants... at the beautiful hotel... ha ha! I am so excited!

I've been wanting to go to Chicago for a while, just to check it out. Several people have told me I'd love it there. Now I get to be there with a wonderful man who is still knocking my socks off. Incredible.

By now you've probably clicked on my blog at least once and almost hurled at my sappy lovin' life posts. All I can say is, be happy for me (as I know you all are). I am so happy with my man and if I could recount all the sweet, awesome things he's done for me in the past week, you'd be hurling for sure. It's still so early, but I have never felt quite like THIS ever before.

Right now my life is filled with joy and laughter and the warm coziness that comes with emotionally sharing with someone amazing. I really don't know what else to write about.

~Update~

OMG. Well I am still deliriously happy with Nick. I have earned the nickname "Perma-Grin" at work. Ha ha! I seriously feel like I'm in high school.

The other night we met at the park to watch the sunset. Ahhh. Someone who values just chilling and talking, looking up at the stars. He brought me a green tea, because he knows I like it. Awww. We later swang on the swings then shot off some Roman candles. LOL. Fun.

Last night we went to the running store downtown so I could get new running shoes. My current pair has 327 miles on them, so it's time. They were out of my size, so they will call me when they come in. We walked downtown and had some dinner. Even though we've seen each other every day but one since Saturday, I actually felt a little nervous. Butterflies! YIKES! I look at him sometimes and I am just blown away by his looks and the way he looks at me, and his little grins. I get all extra girly and start fussing with my hair and looking up at him through my fallen bangs. Seriously. I feel 14.

We went back to his place down the street and watched Napoleon Dynamite. He also burned a copy for me so I can watch it whenever. Funny movie - some things really made me roll laughing. "I caught you a delicious bass". OMG. Made me so thankful I am out of that bass situation and with someone so amazing and thoughful and caring and sensitive. Okay, I am starting to gush. Ha ha!

I slept over at Nick H's place. We have not "consumated" the relationship yet, but we had a wonderful time just talking and snuggling. When I left, he had just gotten out of the shower, and just had a towel on. JESUS. It seriously makes me nervous and excited and happy and shaky sometimes when I look at him. He is my physical ideal for a man.

Tonight we're going to a music festival in Dover. I made him promise to dance like Napoleon while we're there. He probably will. Silly.

Oh, and he checked in with me to make sure we are on the same page, as far as feelings so far. I swear the heavens opened up and sang, "hallelujah!" when I heard this. We both agreed to take some deep breaths and enjoy ourselves without waiting for the "other shoe to drop". Things are going so well and we're so comfortable with each other, it is normal to think, "ok, what's the catch?" And there may be one later on, but for now, I am totally infatuated and digging him. Yay.

Nick and I Are Getting Married August 23rd - And You're Invited!

Ha ha just kidding! But I am utterly infatuated with this guy. He is physically every trait I find super handsome and attractive, he's funny, very affectionate, financially stable, NICE and oh so sweet.

This is all after date #3 (yes, another one tonight), so of course everything is always wonderful in the beginning, and I have no illusions that things won't change, even if it's just slightly. Or majorly. Who knows.

We've decided to be exclusive and not date other people. I'm still taking it slow with my own heart inside, but really enjoying all that comes with being with a really nice guy who also happens to be so f'ing hot I can't stand it. DAMN!

Good things do come to those who wait!

Another full day with the hot hot hotty! I'm tired, but I will have a full update soon. The lowdown is that he is a hot hot hotty, very nicely affectionate, considerate (little things that most men I've dated didn't pick up on), funny as hell and we share the same taste in music. I haven't been able to sing along with a dude in a long time. I'm digging him. Yay!

Oh and thanks, TSM for calling me out between songs about my hot hot hotty! Haha! I don't think he knew we were referring to him, so it's all good... and if he did, cool anyway. Someone should know they're on FIRE if they are. :-D

Hot Date Report

Wow.

Nick picked me up at 2 pm. It's now 12:22 am and I'm just getting home. I'll have to tell the details later because I need to get to bed so he can pick me up at 9 am! We're heading to Newfound lake tomorrow with boat in tow - although there will be no fishing. Some grilling, chilling and plenty of kisses and affection.

Nick H. Damn.

I have a date with a Hot hot hottie!

Wow.

So I reconnected with this guy I went to high school with. We never spoke back then, he was 2 years ahead of me, and his younger brother was in my class. They were known as some of the best looking guys in school. Hot hot hotties.

So this attractive guy finds me online. Judging by his picture, he is physically right up my alley (ha, that sounded funny). Like attractive in the way that I had that visceral feeling in my gut that I wanted him, now. I may have let out a small groan. But then he had these two other pictures that looked a little... eh...
Being busy with the deal breaker dude and other interests, I dismissed him.

He found me again (about two months later) and told me I looked familiar. He tells me his name. I nearly fell over. Nick H. from high school. WOW. He looked a lot different, there was no way I would have known it was him if he hadn't told me. But it explained my gut feeling of instant attraction. This guy has been hot his whole life. I thought he was hot back then, but he definitely was not my "type", and we never ran in the same group.

A couple of hours of phone convo and we are set for a date on Saturday. For the first time in 5 or 6 years, I'm actually a little nervous for a date! I felt a little ego boost for a day, like, "Wow, I have a DATE with Nick H!" Yes, it's been 15 years since I last saw him, but that first picture looked very hot... the other two, well, I can only tell when I see him in person.

We'll be stopping in to the Auburn Pitts after lunch to toss some horseshoes and listen to the Rusty Cadillacs. The weather will be nice, my toenails will be sexily painted and I will have a hot hot hottie on my arm.

Your opinion, please.

Is it wrong to date brothers? Not at the same time and if it's unlikely they'll know I dated the other? Discuss.

Vacation Days!

I had 4 days off from work. Yay! On Thursday at lunchtime, I got over to the gym. I went to a spiritual Christian crusade at the Boston Garden that night, so I wanted to make sure I got in a good workout early. By the time I parked my car at the gym, I was already pretty sweaty. Luckily the air conditioning was right up to speed inside - what a relief!

My focus was chest and the dreaded (to most people, and used to be for me) gauntlet. The gauntlet is the nickname for the revolving stairs - not the cute little stairmaster where you pump your legs up and down - No, we are climbing actual stairs at whichever speed you choose. This is a picture of the actual model I use.



Most of the benches were already taken by the lunch time crew from CMC, which is across the street, so I moseyed over to the Smith machines to really push myself on incline bench. An example of what that looks like is below.



For the uninitiated, the Smith is basically a squat rack with safeties, so if you can't handle the weight, you can theoretically drop it and remain uninjured. The Smith has also caused injury to some, in that it prohibits most people from moving within a natural range of motion - you have to move how the bar moves.

As I adjusted my bench, I felt someone glancing at me. It's not entirely unusual at the gym, since I don't lift or work out like most women, so men, and sometimes women, watch to see what I'm doing.

I didn't pay any attention, and went about my chest workout. I noticed Glancer was squatting some very decent weight on the Smith next to me. He came over to ask to borrow a 45 lb plate. I had to yank my ear buds out to hear him, but as soon as I looked up, I smiled, as he was just my type. I didn't really think I have a type, but maybe I do, because Glancer fit it. Almost bald, goatee, nice eyes - and this one had an extra plus- very developed pectorals. I told him he could have just one, because I wasn't going that heavy today (a little gym humor).

You know when you feel like you're staring, but you don't realize it until it almost feels too late, then you ask yourself, "How long have I been staring at this man's pecs?" Yeah.

I went back to my workout, and he to his. I got over to the stepmill and did 20 minutes. I planned on 30 minutes, but I wanted to make some more contact with Glancer. I noticed him glancing around, maybe to see where I went?

I decided to work calves (completely unnecessary, but extra calf work for some extra body work later would be well worth it), which was in the area of his impressive leg workout. He glanced over again. I had the feeling he wanted to talk, but had no idea what to say. Here's where I come in.

Glancer finished a set of barbell presses and kind of walked around. I caught his eye and said, "Legs and delts day?" He said yeah, and I told him he had an impressive leg workout. He had a couple open patella knee braces on, the same exact ones I used to have to wear. I asked him what was up with the knees, and we talked overuse injuries for a few minutes. He introduced himself as Gary. I introduced myself, and he excused himself to perform his next set.

So I'm sitting on a machine, thinking, "Okay, I really shouldn't do more than one more set of these, and I can't really hang around much longer without looking awkward, so WTF?"

I finished as he was finishing his set, but he clearly had many more to go. I told him I was taking off, and we discussed our workout schedules. He's a lunch timer, and I'm usually at work then, so I told him we would probably never see each other again - HINT: ASK ME FOR MY NUMBER NOW, BECAUSE THIS IS IT!

Well, he didn't. So I turned and left. And thought, well, I held up my end of the friendly convo, and he didn't close the deal. So he has a girlfriend or is a lonely gym guy. I got in my car and thought back to his blue eyes, his attractive face, and the PECS. Then said, Fuck it, went home and got ready for my religious experience in Boston. Yes, I do think "fuck it" and "religious experience" fit fine in the same thought.

Thinking I would never see Glancer Gary again, I put him out of mind and got on with my weekend, which included the drive to the TD Banknorth Garden (or the Boston Garden as we all still call it), the spiritual experience, an early morning run the next day, a trip to my sister's and her family's NEW HOUSE in Bedford, some light work in the house to prep for painting, playing with my nephews in their new pool and generally celebrating their new home.

Tonight, Sunday, I had about 90 minutes before the gym closed. I put my hair up, changed my shirt and headed over. Back and biceps needed to be done.

I noticed a lot of fine young men in the gym tonight. No one really stood out, but they were nice to look at and it was nice to get some glances.

As I stood bent over at the waist in front of the mirror, doing dumbbell bent over rows, I glanced up and saw Gary Glancer walking back from the water fountain. Well, well.

I decided to basically ignore him, since he made no move to close the last time I saw him. If he got home Thursday and kicked himself for not asking for my number, here was his chance to make good and get my digits. Of course, I needed to make sure he saw me. I was, after all, bent over with my weights.

Now, I really DID have to go over to his area to finish my back workout. The lat pulldowns were taken earlier, so I got biceps done first, and now I needed to head over to Gary Glancer's area. He was at a Smith machine again, this time with a spotter. I cracked my own joke in my head about not needing a spotter on a Smith, then got to work on further developing my latissimus dorsi.

The fine young men were still in that area, and were still glancing every now and then, so I knew Gary would take notice eventually. I purposely positioned myself where he would have to come out from the squat rack to see me. He came over during my second set and said, "Hi Becky". I looked up, and I'm pretty sure I accurately conveyed a look of surprise. He was even better looking than I remembered. I said, "Hi. Looks like we DID see each other again - and on a Sunday night!" He explained how he was behind on his workouts that week, and I made extra sure not to stare. I nodded, not wanting to seem excited or enthusiastic (I find this sometimes makes the other person start to act enthusiastically, sort of to fill in the void - try it, it works on a lot of people). He said something to the effect of, "well, see ya", and I went back to lifting. He got a sip of water, and as he walked back, I was up spraying cleaner on a paper towel to wipe down my bench. I watched him watch me walk back to my bench, and I could have sworn I heard him kicking himself right then. Or maybe it was my ego kicking around thoughts of unfulfilled "workouts" with Gary.

But no matter. He clearly has a girlfriend, as the convo has only been about workouts. Although I don't find too many men talk to women about workouts unless they're using it as an opening line. But fuck it. I know dude has the sack to ask me for my number, and I'd rather he didn't if he is currently involved. My thought is he might be on his way out of a relationship and is being friendly to anyone who looks interesting, just in case. No harm in that. Never hurts to have a few pots simmering on the back burners in case your main entree in the oven burns.


So I've gone back to supermarket flirting, even since the marinated meats failure. The supermarket is such an innocent place. A cute cashier with braces flirted with me this morning, and even though he was clearly under age, he had the quickness and wit to match me quip for quip. Not many people can do that, and enjoy it. He'll be a fine player in the game when he grows some facial hair.

I ended up at a different supermarket again tonight, after the gym. Not much is going to keep me away from Hood New England Creamery light mint chocolate chip ice cream at $1.49 with a $1 off coupon. That's $0.49 for a half gallon for all you math wizards.


This particular supermarket isn't in the best neighborhood, and I caught a few men doing more than a little glancing. One was a redhead, in the cracker aisle. Now what was I doing in the cracker aisle? A lot of you know me not to eat such things, but I wanted to maybe make a really low calorie cheesecake-like tasting concoction. I got some sugar/fat free cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix, some Calorie Countdown skim milk, then I was considering crumbling a few low fat graham crackers over it, to resemble a crust. Yes, I can get creative when it comes to satisfying a craving without going off the deep end.

So I was comparing two boxes of graham crackers when I felt a glance. Ah, a redhead. Never had a redhead, I thought to myself. Yes, a dirty thought, but it's summer, I'm single, and craving something sweet, so give me a break!

I decided against the crackers, because I knew I could do all I could to crumble a few on top of the pudding, but then I'd have the rest of the box to contend with, and they were too high in calories to have just sitting around my apartment waiting for me to have a nibble attack.

I walked away and into produce. Nothing caught my eye, so as I rounded the corner, there was redhead, totally pretending to be interested in some strawberries or something, but had clearly followed me. At this point I got a little cocky and walked to the other end of the store, thinking, "yeah, follow me now, bitch". Ha ha! Okay, I didn't say or think "bitch" at the time, but it seems funny now. He didn't follow me, so after a bit of hassle in the self scan "express" lane, I went home to try out the ice cream. To rate it, if I had four thumbs to put up, they'd be up. But neither Gary Glancer nor Redhead followed through enough to be the other two thumbs with mine, spooning mint ice cream in air conditioned condo splendor.
Maybe next weekend.

Not a family friendly post.

Family members may want to skip this post. :-)

So although the little black book is closed forever, I have been tempted. Now, no one from that black book is anywhere close to being current boyfriend material. But there's like, two who could possibly meet other needs. One recently contacted me and I have to admit, I was tempted.

The other is someone who filled another position other than "boyfriend" for a few years. He wasn't qualified for the boyfriend position, but he proved himself very capable in another "position". He has not contacted me, but I've been getting some psychic vibes, so I may be on his mind. I can't entertain the thought of revisiting that scenario, because things got extremely emotional and messy at the end, on his side. I really don't need a replay of a man crying on my bedroom floor wondering why he can't have the promotion, when I had told him over and over that there really wasn't even a job opening in that position (there was, but he was highly unqualified).

Still, I know if he were to call, it would take some strength to just say no. Everyone has that one person they think back to that just rocked their world and made them feel for even just a few hours, that they were the most gorgeous creature on the face of the earth. Now if only I could find that in a man who is also capable of filling the main position of boyfriend!

What's kind of funny is one similarity between these two men. They're both bald and the main reason I was attracted to the one who just recently contacted me was because he looked kind of similar to the other in a certain position. It's the main reason I stuck around the more recent one. Man, am I a dude, or what.

I'm feeling a new one out (not Phil), but I'm not sure if this is something I should continue. I would really like to hold out for a great guy who can fulfill all of my needs, but to be realistic, I have no idea how long that will be. Maybe I will just let things happen instead of trying to make them happen. I really hate being in such a passive position, but it's probably time to try something new.

Out and About

Can you spot TSM?



Last Friday we all had a great time at Jillian's, out on the deck listening to the Rusty Cadillacs. I made the acquaintance of a very fucked up man in his 50's who asked me to go to his car with him to do some "inhalants". When I told him I wasn't down, he said he had some Bacardi 151 and diet orange soda in his trunk, and the soda, coincidentally, matched my sweater. My very nice sweater, covering my very nice arm. I let Curtis buy me a drink, as he was also a "friend of the band" and my 4 oz. Captain and diet coke was quickly dwindling. Plus no one had shown up yet (pharmacy issues), so I allowed Curtis to entertain me until they did.

The band sounded awesome and it was great being outside on a warm Friday night. They've been asked to return to Jillian's, as it was clear everyone had a great time.

Luckily, my night of newcomers didn't end with Curtis. What's funny is that I even have a pic of Phil, before we met. He's on the right in the baseball cap, and I'm at the table to the right in the diet orange soda colored sweater.



See, I danced with this crackhead (didn't catch his name). He was kind of a mess and did the air guitar and kept inching towards me... but I'll dance with anyone who has the balls to ask, and especially on a night when the Rusty Cadillacs are playing. I like to show my support and have the management see people dancing and having a good time.

I ended the dance before the song was over, thanked him and went back to the table. I got up a few minutes later to visit the ladies room, and Phil walked inside with me. He complimented me on dancing with the crackhead, and I told him I'll dance with anyone with the balls to ask. Phil mentioned that the crackhead was either wasted or had huge balls to approach me at a table with 4 guys.

Now, I didn't realize that was the case, but it was. As far as I was concerned, I was sitting with my friends and co-workers, having a great time. I didn't realize how it might appear to an outsider looking in.

When I returned to the table, crackhead asked me twice more to dance with him. I smiled and waved him off, feigning sore feet. The heels were pretty high and strappy, but my feet weren't tired in the least!

After the second time crackhead asked, Phil looked over at me like he felt sorry for me. I walked over and asked if he would pretend to be my boyfriend for a little while so crackhead would leave me alone. He didn't say anything, he just grabbed the closest chair and placed it next to him. He said he could feel crackhead's stare piercing the back of his head.

Phil and I talked for a while, and we have quite a bit in common... except a bit of an age difference. Phil is 25. But Phil makes me laugh and likes to see live music, even blues, so he can come along for my ride for a while.

We went out to breakfast with Phil's friend Chris after closing down Jillian's. PAL1 came with us, and I was glad. Granted we all had separate cars, but these were strangers to me. Over breakfast, the boys explained "man law" to me. And how my sweet potato fries were a violation of man law. Whatever.

Phil has three older sisters, and I know one of them. We worked together doing physician credentialing at CIGNA HealthCare. She wasn't exactly my favorite person, and I'm curious what she'll have to tell Phil about me.

Hopefully this week will include some more time with Phil or a random dude I pick up at the supermarket - which I tried last week in the marinated meats... but he wasn't interested in being marinated in special Becky sauce - eww... I didn't mean it like THAT, sickie!

Since I know blogs are much more interesting to read when they have pictures, here is one of PAL1 and me dancing in the corner to the Rusty Cadillacs at Chen Yang Li. This was before I bought myself some jeans that hug my ass, so I've got a saggy ass jean look going on. My hair is longer in the back than I thought, though, so that's a positive, and the ass is tightly hugged now, thank you very much!

Ok, that was fun.

I had a lot of fun at the Uptown! I'm a little surprised! I don't think I even saw any bikers, but there was a hand written sign as we walked in welcoming them. I'm still glad I wore my "biker chick" outfit.

"Don't mess with me, I'm a biker chick. Grrr."

"Okay, I'm not a biker chick, but you can buy me a drink!"

We went upstairs and I was pleasantly surprised that they still played some hip hop from when I was in the prime of my clubbing days. Man, some of those songs make it impossible to stand still. DMX's Up in Here, Monifa's Touch It, J. Lo and Ja Rule's I'm real. And some kind of new, like Lil Kim's Put Your Lighters Up and some really old mainstream reggae. It felt really good to shake my ass a little and FEEL that music, the music that beats within me. Some people don't get or like hip hop, and that's cool. I can't FEEL rock, or alternative music. I FEEL a bass rhythm inside me and it makes me move involuntarily. It feels good and natural to me. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy being completely free and single and not have to worry about anyone else there. I could do my thing and be 100% me.

We didn't realize that in addition to Kristi's going away party, it was also Kristi's birthday. A few of her friends came and danced and sang karaoke.

KAP, PAL1 and I alternated between the DJ dancing upstairs with the live band Toast downstairs. I actually liked them quite a bit. The did some Phish covers but also have their own material. Back upstairs, we were all sitting at a table, and one of the cute shot girls came over. She told me someone bought me TWO shots. As if I'm going to down two shots. I had one drink all night and that was going to be it. I gave them to PAL1 and KAP, asked the girl who bought them, and went over to thank him.

Damien is a 23 year old from Weare. Where? Yeah, Weare. He said he liked my smile and that I seemed cool. I had to break it to young Damien how old I am. He was a little taken aback. Then he said his stepmom is 28. Great.

I told Damien that I'm at a place in my life where I'm looking for something serious and long term. He pulled back and said, "Me too!" Ha ha. Weren't we all back then? He probably won't know until he's 31 what the difference actually is.

We all gave Kristi big hugs when she and her man left. They have a lot more packing to do before they leave for Indiana. We'll miss her, but she seems very happy with him. Follow your heart, girl.

Next Friday looks like outdoor drinks and dancing to our favorite local band, The Rusty Cadillacs, at Jillian's. Come out, should be a good time!

This Sunday (July 2), our friend Adam will be the DJ on Rock 101 WGIR from 10 am - 3 pm. Give him a call and show your support!

Goodbye Kristi!

Kristi from the pharmacy is leaving us to go live with her BOYFRIEND in Indiana! Part of me says, "Damn, that girl is crazy" and another part says, "Damn, that girl has guts". Big risk = Big payoff? Hopefully!

Kristi's going away party is at the Uptown Tavern Friday night in beautiful downtown ManchVegas.

I've been there one time.

I will return for Kristi's party! KAP and I plan to walk in together so we won't be too afraid. It's kind of a biker bar... I won't describe it too much further until after I go tomorrow. Maybe it's different now!

Aside from Kristi leaving us, the next most important item on my agenda was, "What will I wear to such an event?" Let's say I think (or hope) I've got the biker chick look covered.

Toast will be performing tomorrow. The two tracks on their page sound decent. Last I remember there was some hip hop upstairs? I hope so! I haven't been out shaking it in a LONG time.

Kristi, we will miss your smiling face and impromptu massages! We know you'll be back to visit, so stay in touch! See you tomorrow ;-)